Galaxyland

Originally known as Fantasyland, West Edmonton Mall changed the name of the park to Galaxyland in July 1995 after fighting a case with Disney. This indoor amusement park has 24 rides and attractions, which include 8 beginner rides, 9 intermediate rides, 7 thrill rides, and 5 other “pay at site” rides and games. Among these rides is the “Mindbender ride,” the largest indoor triple loop roller coaster. Other attractions include the TurboRide 3D Theatre, the Haunted Castle, and the 3D Fun House.

World Waterpark

The World Waterpark is also a favorite tourist spot for people visiting Alberta. Built in 1985, it is the world’s largest indoor waterpark and covers over 20,000 square meters. Apart from its sheer size, the water park also has the biggest indoor wave pool in the world. The “Sky Screamer,” a high-speed water slide and the “Twister,” the highest slide in the park are two of the most well-known rides in this water park.

Theme Areas in the Mall

There are several themed areas in the mall, including Bourbon Street, Europa Boulevard, and Chinatown. Bourbon Street has a lot of clubs and restaurants in a setting that is heavily influenced by New Orleans. Some of the restaurants you can see her are Boston Pizza, Hooters, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Tony Roma’s Ribhouse, Jungle Jim’s, and Albert’s Family Restaurant. Europa Boulevard has been designed like a European streetscape, while Chinatown has a miniature koi pond with a bridge.

Other attractions included in this mall are the Fantasyland Hotel, an indoor shooting range, a petting zoo, a troop of ring-tailed lemurs, the Nightclub Empire Ballroom, an inter-denominational chapel, and four Radio Stations.

The West Edmonton Mall is a place around which you can plan a whole day. Even if you are not interested in shopping and spending money, many attractions here are bound to catch your fancy. You could simply come here to spend time at the World Waterpark or have some great food in one of the many restaurants here; or maybe, you are genuinely looking to buy something. Whatever your reasons may be, you are sure to find something to your liking here, something that will catch your eye and pique your interest.

For children, the easiest way to learn anything would be through the medium of an exploration. As they look and interact with the various exhibits in a museum, the mind works at figuring out tiny riddles and assimilating different kinds of information. Knowing this, the St. Catharines Museum in Niagara Falls has made it a mission to make their museum as appealing and innovative as possible for all the guests that pass through their gates, be they kids or adults.

St. Catharines Museum is less than 20 minutes away from Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is located at the Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3 along with the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum. It is open all round the year and the hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The admission prices for adults are $4.25, for seniors $4.00, for students $3.25 and for children $2.50. If you go with your family, you can get a 15% discount and if you require a video presentation you need to shell out $1.00 more per person.

At the museum you will learn about history behind the Four Welland Canals and how a city grew around them. The video presentation, available in French and English, takes you through the past and present of the Welland Canals. In the Community Heritage Gallery there are select stories related to the history of St. Catharines and among the exhibits you will find the 1912 made in St. Catharines REO automobile.  Not to miss is the award-winning, exhibit “Follow the North Star”, which narrates the legacy of the African Canadians living in Niagara and the history of the Underground Railroad.

There is also a snack bar that serves light bites, ice creams, and coffee to revitalize you so that you can continue your journey through the museum. On your way out, pop into the museum’s gift shop “Merritt’s Mercantile” where you can find unique souvenirs, publications, educational items, and children’s gifts for you to take home as a keepsake of your informative and interesting trip to St. Catharine Museum. Not that you would need anything to remind you of the time you spent here. The experience of being here is something you won’t be able to forget in a hurry.

TELUS World of Science is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1976. It draws more than 300,000 eager learners every year. Its initiative is to foster and promote values like curiosity, innovation, inquiry, and collaboration among children and help them discover science beyond test books and classrooms.

The TELUS World of Science has three very interesting and interactive exhibit areas, but the fun does not stop there. There is an outside amusement park that is very aptly named the ‘Amazement Park’, and WOWtown, that does indeed, wow you. In addition to this, there is also a food kiosk for when your tiny tykes get hungry and a gift shop where you can buy all kinds of science-oriented gifts that will help you remember your fabulous experience at the TELUS World of Science.

However, the most notable exhibit at the TELUS World of Science is the Discovery Dome Theatre, where lifelike images are displayed on a dome screen and the experience is further enhanced by digital surround sound. A series of exhibition are designed to capture the imagination of the kiddy audience. The “Wild Ocean” takes you into the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Coast in South Africa where you can see whales, sharks, dolphins, and gannets, and a host of other underwater species. Children are explained the food chain within the ocean and shown how external influences have begun to disturb the delicate equilibrium of the ocean.

“Mummies – Secrets of the Pharaohs” is yet another fascinating documentary that takes you into the land of pyramids and pharaohs. Children follow archaeological clues and understand how the mysteries of the past are unraveled. They also gain a better understanding of the culture, religion, and science of the ancient Egypt.

Take a look at the other ‘Fun & Educative’ things children can do at the TELUS World of Science.

• Control the weather by controlling the movement of clouds over the sun.
• Freeze your shadows to a wall!
• Operate a crane, and play with other simple machines
• Make your own puppet show by using a video, monitor and costumes
• Go on a journey of exploration with microscopes, magnifying glasses, and video microscopes.
• Make your own music in the music area using drums, tubular bells, thunder sheet, rain stick, and a howler fan.

The journey of learning and discovery never ends at the TELUS World of Science.

Nearly $3,500,000 was spent on its construction and it opened its doors to the public in June 1968. Three years later it was re-christened Calgary Tower and it held the prestigious position of being not only the tallest structure in Calgary but also the tallest structure in Canada, outside of Toronto. Since it was one of the first towers of its kind, it’s not surprising that that Calgary Tower was the founding member of the World Federation of Great Towers.

Calgary Tower is an important entry on any tourist’s itinerary and a trip to Calgary is wasted if you don’t take out the time to ascend the heights of this very famous tower. And don’t make this trip without your camera. Apart from the panoramic views of the entire city, you also get to see a rare sight that not many other towers are likely to offer you – the majestic Rocky Mountains, the prairies and the surrounding foothills just 50 miles to the West.

If you are brave enough and not likely to panic at the illusion of standing mid air, 525 feet above the ground, make sure to visit the Observation Deck. Take tiny, baby steps into virtual nothingness (as it seems from up there) and watch the entire city dwarfed in front of your eyes, and cars and trucks whizzing around like something in the land of Lilliput. The whole city spreads out in front of you like a toy town and you experience the thrill of calling yourself the “King (or Queen) of the World”.  Don’t worry about the glass floor giving way under you; it’s strong enough to accommodate a herd of elephants. There are binoculars on the observation, if you wish to fine tune your vision and play the game of “Oh, there’s our hotel,” or “Isn’t that our car parked over there?”

The Calgary Tower holds yet another record – of being the largest Olympic Torch in the world. The 1988 Winter Olympic Games saw a flame burning at the top of the tower throughout the whole period of the event. The torch is lit occasionally even today on special events like Canada Day celebrations.

And the end of the trip, visit Sky 360, a revolving restaurant located at the top of The Calgary Tower. The food is great, the wine list impressive and the décor contemporary. The 360 Degree Corporate Lunch Menu available Mondays through Fridays is a huge hit where, for less than $25, you can take your pick from the soups, salads & pastas, and sandwiches. You have a long ride down. Might as well make it on a full stomach!



The shows at The Planetarium are designed to impart knowledge regarding the universe to their visitors. However, this is not done in a boring or theoretical fashion. In fact, you are encouraged to imagine yourself as brave explorers setting out on a voyage beyond the frontiers of the realm of earth. It’s a journey that will transcend time and take you into outer space, past planets, suns, moons, other astronomical bodies, and even beyond that!

The Planetarium was conceived as a project by the Manitoba Centennial Centre complex in 1961 in celebration of the centennial celebration of both Canada and Manitoba. Thanks to the patronage and financial support of the Saiyde and Samuel Bronfman Foundation, it was possible to finish the construction. It took nearly six years for the project to be completed and the official opening of the Planetarium was on May 15, 1968.

The Planetarium is located in the lower level of The Manitoba Museum and the Zeiss Model Vs Star Projector is its heart and soul. Without this precision opto-mechanical machine it would not be possible to make such a realistic recreation of the night sky, which is the central attraction of the Planetarium. The 154 projectors, working together, create the magic of the sun, moon, planets, 9,000 stars, and the Milky Way. What would cost in excess of $2 million today was bought in 1967 for $125,000 Cdn. However, the Zeiss projector does not work alone and is aided by more than 200 auxiliary projectors that ultimately result in the stunning effects that you see.

These projectors make it possible for you to not only see but also feel all the cosmic phenomenon that you may have only heard about – the rings of Saturn, the volcanoes of Mars, and various other sights that will leave you spellbound. These days, the Planetarium uses the latest technology in computer animation and special effects, which add a whole new dimension to your experience.

In earlier days, the shows of the Planetarium were pre-recorded and ran pretty much like a movie. However, these days, all the shows are delivered live by the astronomer who is also prepared to answer questions you may have.

It is easy to see that a lot of thought has gone into the astronomical and entertainment programs that are conducted here, and that is why the Manitoba Planetarium is a great hit with both adults and children. This is one science lesson that children will not try to wriggle out of or forget in a hurry.

Montreal architects Ross and MacFarlane designed the hotel after the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and initially this hotel was supposed to be named the Selkirk. However, it was decided to name it the Fort Garry, after the fort (with the same name) that stood at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red rivers. The strategic location of the hotel on Broadway, between Fort and Garry Streets ensured that it was the first building tourists laid their eyes on when they entered the city, whatever direction the entered from. Incidentally, hotel Fort Garry was the first ever commercial establishment to come up on Broadway, and till date the only hotel to be built there.

The first indication one gets of Fort Garry’s beauty and elegance is when one walks into the lobby which is accessible from the grand exterior staircase. The main lobby stretches across 44 by 66 foot of space and to the eyes, the impression it conveys is that of rich luxury. High beamed ceilings, Caen stone walls, a glittering chandelier that make the focal point of the room, and Napoleon grey marble floor inlaid with Belgian black marble – the effect is indeed extraordinary. If you are not used to such sights, you may walk around in a daze trying to take in all the grandeur in front of you.

Even though there have been several changes in the hotel over the years, it has retained some of its original features. For instance, the mail chutes you see on each floor and the brass mailbox next to the elevators in the lobby are all from the time when the hotel was newly constructed. The Main Dining Room now referred to as the Provencher Room has, also been maintained in its original style and is used to host receptions and banquets. This room is one of the largest rooms in the hotel and extends along the length of the building.

The seventh floor, however, tells a different story. This is where the Crystal Ballroom and Concert Hall are located. These two rooms were converted into casinos in the 1990s, probably in an attempt to keep pace with the changing times. However, during the early months of 2000 the casino were done away with and the ballrooms were reinstated to their original use.

Each room in Hotel Fort Garry can tell you a story, each corner has a secret, and each original fixture carries many tales. Staying at this hotel is like walking into an era that is long gone but still kept alive in all its resplendent glory.



The Muttart Conservatory, located in the North Saskatchewan River valley is home to four beautiful glass pyramids, which, in turn, house different botanical regions. There are two large pyramids and two small ones. The larger ones cover an area of 660 square meters and the smaller ones are 410 square meters in size. Three of the pyramids showcase botanical displays from tropical, temperate, and arid regions while the fourth one is reserved for shows with changing themes. Information related to each environment can be found at the entrance of each section, and the moment you step into the pyramids, you can feel the effects of a whole new climatic zone.

The Temperate Pavilion houses plants from areas of temperate climates, such as Australia, the southern Great Lakes, and the mountainous regions of Asia. As you enter, you see a bog area that is fed by a stream and has parrot’s feather and white water lilies. Further ahead there are low shrubs and the eastern deciduous trees, such as redwoods and cedars. In the Australian section you get to see flowering shrubs and Eucalyptus trees and several other tiny flowering plants.

The Arid Pavilion is kept warm so as to simulate the appropriate environment for cacti and other desert plants. The conservatory has also managed to recreate barren and rocky slopes of various arid zones, which gives you the feel of standing right in the middle of a hot and dry desert.

The Tropical Pavilion showcases diverse kinds of plants. The warm temperatures in this section are conducive to plants like orchids, vines, bananas, tall palms, weeping fig, hibiscus, and birds of paradise. In the fourth pyramid, the temperature is modified according to the needs of the seasonal plants that are kept on special display.

The construction of the Muttart Conservatory was only possible after the Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation gave a donation. The rest of the funding came from the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta and the City of Edmonton. It was designed by architect Peter Hemingway and today the conservatory is owned and operated by the Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department. It is also a very popular destination for parties and special functions like weddings. Only recently, the conservatory received a ‘face lifting’ renovation that cost around $6.3 million.

The next time you are in Edmonton and wish to see the major climatic zones of the world housed in creatively designed pyramids, head over to the Muttart Conservatory. It’s a wonderful experience.

Here, you can see the locations of some the first fur trading posts, see how a beaver hat is made, see an old fashioned soda fountain, and have a picture of yourself taken in the back drop of an old fashioned setting.

There are four areas in the park corresponding to different periods in the history of Edmonton and many of the structures you get to see in the park are originals. The park is operated by interpreters who wear period costumes. You can enjoy free steam engine train rides from the entrance of the park to the Fort and free street car rides, period rides in wagons, stagecoaches, ponies, and buggies.

1846 Fort – Fur Trade Era

The first phase in Edmonton park is the Hudson’s Bay Company fort, which represents the fur trade era. The fort has been rebuilt using a scale plan diagram drawn by Mervin Vavasour, a British Lieutenant. There are several notable features in this section such as the replica of a York Boat and an aboriginal camp just outside the palisade of the fort. This Cree camp represents the indigenous First Nations, who traded in fur and provisions.

1885 Street – The Settlement Era

The1885 street represents the beginning of a town in Edmonton and the development of self-sustaining farms. In this section you can see the establishment of the printing press media and the telegraph and also references to the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Visitors get to see covered wagons, reproduction of the Jasper House Hotel, and the original structure of the McDougall Methodist Church.

1905 Street – The Municipal Era

In this section you get to see instances that verify the economic boom experienced by the Edmonton. However, since it lacked housing facilities for the large influx of newcomers, it lead to the development of the tent city, which is also shown in the park.

Yet another notable display is the house of Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first Premier of Alberta. This house was moved to this location from its current one in south Edmonton.

1920 Street – The Metropolitan Era

This street shows life in Edmonton during the First World War and the times that followed. You get to see a replica of Blatchford Field which was the first ever “Air Harbor” in Canada. Also in this section is The Mellon Farm, which is the only structure that is original to the park site.

The Granville Island was a major industrial center in the 1917 and was later on used as a ship building center during WWII. It soon fell into disuse around the sixties and the site became totally run-down. In the beginning of the 70s, the federal government encouraged new and people friendly developments and Granville Village was turned into a multi-use facility, which included industry, commerce, and entertainment. It was decided that this unique town would maintain its original look and as a result, buildings that were formerly factories and warehouses were turned into galleries, restaurants, artist studios, and theaters.

The best way to describe Granville Island is to call it a huge playground with a lot of things that will catch your fancy. There’s a Kids Only Market that has an indoor play area for … well, children, along with shops where you can buy toys, kits, art supplies, and several other things that will keep your little angel happy.

If you have some time, you can rent a kayak and go for a row around the island and explore water creek. If you don’t feel confident enough to do that alone, you can opt for a guided tour, and those who are keen to learn can opt for lessons. A 3-hour kayak lesson will teach you some basic strokes, which will be enough to get you started.

For those with a cultural bent of mind, the Granville Island Museum is the hot destination. You can check out their collection of miniature trains and model boats. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm, the Museum is sure to have some exhibits that will intrigue you.

Do what your heart desires here or do nothing at all, it’s your call. Browse through the popular Granville Island Market, considered to be one of the best all-around markets in North America, sample delicacies at the various food stalls, watch a theater performance, stroll along the waterfront under the moonlight, have some home brewed ale, pick up mementos for your friends, or simply take in the character of the village by walking about it. Like we mentioned before, Granville Island is best explored at your own pace and you are free to chart your own itinerary here. That’s just the best way to do it.

The Hotel is located at a vantage point and is only a block away from Robson Street, a major attraction for shopaholics. Stanley Park, Gastown, and Granville Island Market are also a stone’s throw from Four Seasons as is the Pacific Center, which is known as the premier indoor fashion mall of Vancouver.

The 373 guest rooms, including 67 suites, are large, bright, and airy, and you can see interesting sights of the downtown and even some glimpses of the mountains in the distance. The rooms are done up in soothing colors the give the rooms a warm and soothing touch. The beds are comfortable and you can sink into them and sleep off your tiredness. Even if they are smaller than you expected, the marble bathrooms have a tub and shower combination and they are well designed. The private bars and dresser drawers are housed in a custom-designed credenza with a rich cherry finish. The rooms are luxurious in a subtle manner with none of pomposity usually associated with hotels.

When you step into any hotel, the first thought that crosses your mind is what your dining options are. The Four Seasons doesn’t disappoint you here either. The YEW restaurant (named after the rare Pacific Yew Tree) has been the talk of the town since it was inaugurated in Dec 2007. 12 meter high ceilings, rich wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling sandstone fireplace, large windows and skylights, and contemporary design elements complete the look of this restaurant. You can choose to eat at the communal table that can seat up to 14 people and has been made from a slab of native maple from Vancouver Island. You can also choose to dine in the exclusive glass enclosed private dining room that is skylit. Of course, there are the intimate dining booths as well. The open kitchen and the dramatic bar set off by the massive green wall in YEW make for an interesting décor to take in as you enjoy culinary delights created by Chef Oliver Beckert.

Be it food, convenience, facilities, rooms or service, Four Seasons is going to exceed your expectations, season after season …..all seasons!